Lanier shows growth with first victory

Published 1:52 pm, Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Lanier demonstrated evidence of breaking through a few days earlier, but no one could have predicted what happened when the floodgates opened March 8.

The Voks (1-9, 1-2) unleashed their fury with a 17-4 win over Jefferson (2-7, 0-3) at SAISD Field No. 2. The Mustangs committed six errors in the first two innings, and Lanier scored off them.

“We had been building our confidence,” Voks coach Carlos Sanchez said. “At the tournament last weekend in Floresville, they were making plays and hitting. They showed that confidence tonight, and Oscar (Reyes) pitched a good game.”

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Lanier scored eight runs in the first inning and five in the second to quickly construct a 10-run lead. Reyes, who also had two hits and an RBI, said it was strange to take the mound in the second inning with a seven-run cushion.

“That motivated me more,” the senior said. “I was throwing harder. This was a great win for us. I want to make our team go to the playoffs.”

While everything was clicking for Lanier, Jefferson faced adversity even before the game. Mustangs pitcher Victor Morales was hit in the eye by a stray ball. Morales returned to the lineup four days later against Sam Houston.

“You’ve got to play through that,” Jefferson coach Rey Luna said of the injury. “Our pitcher (Jesus Castillo) was throwing strikes, but we couldn’t make plays.”

Lanier sent 12 batters to the plate in the first inning. The Voks received RBI singles from Reyes and Raul Solis. They were aided by five Mustangs errors.

A triple from Jason Garay (2 hits, 2 RBI) added a Jefferson run in the second, but Lanier’s next scoring wave included a key double from Jacob Alonso.

Sanchez said Reyes was coming off a strong tournament outing.

“I pitched well then and I pitched well tonight,” Reyes said. “My teammates hit the ball today and showed what they had.”

Unfortunately for the Voks, no winning streak ensued. Brackenridge (5-6, 2-1) defeated Lanier 10-0 in five innings March 12. Jefferson, meanwhile, continued to seek its first 28-5A, falling 16-5 to Sam Houston (5-5, 1-2).

Highlands 2,

Harlandale 1

The Owls (6-4-1, 2-0) rode junior Bryan Aguilar’s three-hit pitching to a District 28-5A win over Harlandale (6-6, 2-1) March 12 at SAISD Field No.1.